Richmond International House of Prayer
Richmond International House of Prayer is located in the historic Shockoe Bottom in Richmond . Mathew Moore, inspired by the International House of Prayer in Kansas City , established Richmond International House of Prayer in 2006. Richmond International House of Prayer attempts to follow the ancient pattern of worship by King David: make petition, give thanks, and praise the Lord day and night. The service, therefore, is “non-stop” prayer worship known as “Harp and Bowl.” This style of non-stop worship has been associated with previous spiritual awakenings, such as the First and Second Great Awakenings. Members of the Richmond International House of Prayer believe that this era is the beginning stage of the third and final Great Awakening, before Christ returns.
Richmond International House of Prayer invites numerous churches and congregations to worship together in a multi-congregation prayer and worship center. The organization has an ethnically diverse population from all age groups and averages about twenty to twenty-five congregants at each prayer session. The center currently operates twelve hours each day, six days a week. However, Richmond International House of Prayer plans to increase the prayer period to twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week. The current twelve hour period is broken down into six two-hour sessions.
The Richmond International House of Prayer worship service is unique. According to the organization, the type of worship that takes place in the prayer house is spontaneous and is lead by the Holy Spirit. The worship services include remaining in silence, praising, singing, dancing, worshiping using an instrument, or reading the scriptures. There is usually a different watch leader at each session who guides the two hours of worship. Freedom in worship is encouraged by the participants and worship team. The watch leader’s responsibility is to be “attentive to God’s voice” regarding the direction that the Holy Spirit is leading worship.
Richmond International House of Prayer holds different services throughout the month. The organization holds a monthly fast called “Global Bridegroom Fast.” The fast is held on the first Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of each month and the first seven days in the month of December. Richmond International House of Prayer encourages pastors, students, parents, and campus ministers to fast for the revival for the nation of Israel , souls around the world, the city of Richmond , and for the House of Prayer itself. The Richmond International House of Prayer also holds an Infusion Service, which allows the directors to cast a vision for the direction that God is leading the Richmond International House of Prayer.
Richmond International House of Prayer
1701 East Main Street
Richmond , VA 23223
(804)-658-5164
Sources:
Interview with a watch leader
Profile prepared by Harvey Youssef.
December, 2007
